Using health diplomacy to improve Africa's health

20 February 2012 -- Around the world, health is increasingly a part of foreign policy agendas, and is included in national security, trade and other discussions. This health diplomacy had been used to advocate for the improvement of health of populations; a recent example is the information and sensitization sessions for diplomats organized by the WHO Regional Office for Africa.

• Health diplomacy: read the news release from the WHO Regional Office for Africa

17 February 2012 -- Public health and influenza experts reached consensus on two urgent issues related to the newly created H5N1 influenza viruses: extending the temporary moratorium on research with new laboratory-modified H5N1 viruses and recognizing that research on naturally-occurring H5N1 influenza virus must continue in order to protect public health

16 February 2012 -- WHO has concluded that women living with HIV or at high risk of HIV can safely continue to use hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. The recommendation follows a thorough review of evidence about links between hormonal contraceptive use and HIV acquisition. Couples seeking to prevent both unintended pregnancy and HIV should be strongly advised to use dual protection – condoms and another effective contraceptive method, such as hormonal contraceptives.

14 February 2012 -- Over the past two decades, new leprosy cases in the Western Pacific Region have declined by nearly 90%. Political commitment is all that is needed now to finish the job. We have the drugs and we have the knowledge, therefore WHO has urged Member States to make a final push to address leprosy in the Region.

• Read the news release from the Western Pacific Region Office